Obesity Medicine

The food we eat can either contribute to good health or make us sick, depending on our choices. Hippocrates, the Father of Medicine said "Let food be they medicine, and medicine thy food." We have a very sick nation with much of our obesity/overweight, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer related to an unhealthy diet. Because many diseases are related to diet and lifestyle they are potentially preventable and reversible. An optimal diet is focused on vegetables, grains, legumes/beans, and fruits. With her training in Plant-based Nutrition, Culinary Medicine, and Lifestyle Medicine Dr. Tallio has a passion for helping patients make healthier food choices that taste good and are satisfying.

Short term use of anti-obesity medications alone cannot lead to successful long term weight loss though in combination with dietary changes might add benefit. Dr. Tallio discusses the risks and benefits of these medications with her patients who are interested in trying them and also discussed weight loss surgery options.

Lifestyle Medicine

Lifestyle Medicine is a newer branch of medicine that educates and supports patients to make healthier life choices to prevent, reduce, or reverse disease. Diet, exercise, sleep, and stress management are important factors affecting health and wellness. Personal choices can direct people towards a path of health or a path of disease. Dr. Tallio believes that with coaching, proper education, and compassionate support, patients can be most successful at making healthier choices.

Dr. Tallio is a diplomat of the American Board of Lifestyle Medicine. She is part of a movement to empower patients to make healthy lifestyle changes so there is less reliance on the medical system.

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Dr. Tallio completed her residency training at the University of Michigan Medical Center and is Board Certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R). Physical Medicine, which is Dr. Tallio's focus, is a branch of medicine which involves the assessment and non-surgical management of musculoskeletal problems. Such problems include neck and back pain, joint pain, and soft tissue pain. Treatment varies depending on the diagnosis but may involve therapeutics such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, massage, medications, dietary changes, stress management and other integrative options.

Dr. Tallio is a diplomat of the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.

Health Coaching

Dr. Tallio incorporates a coaching model when treating patients. With coaching, the patient is guided and supported on their journey towards better mental and physical health. This is done by helping people clarify their goals and vision, identify limiting beliefs and obstacles, and develop action plans for making progress. With coaching, Dr. Tallio acts as a “helper” not a “fixer.” When patients take responsibility for their own beliefs, thoughts, decisions, and behaviors they are empowered and able to achieve their highest potential.

Dr. Tallio and fitness specialist Gretchen Farah offer group education and counseling sessions in a program called “The Whole New You.” This program includes 4 sessions, 2 hours each, with a group of 6-8 people who are trying to prevent, improve, or reverse disease. Because they both are trying to help as many people as possible, they are currently offering this program for just $100. See the “About” section of this webpage for Gretchen’s before and after pictures, losing 60 pounds when she changed to a whole food, plant-based way of eating. You can call Dr. Tallio’s office for more information.

Mind-Body Medicine

Based on thousands of years of healing traditions and a growing amount of research, Mind-Body Medicine treats people using a “wholeness” approach. This approach recognizes the healing ability of the mind, body, and spiritual natures of a person. Mind-body skills can be learned and used to help control physical and mental stress which is the root cause or contributing factor of many medical conditions such as heart disease, cancer, depression, and obesity. The approach also views “Food As Medicine” emphasizing the importance of a healthy diet. Mind-Body Medicine empowers patients to treat themselves, thereby relying less on the medical system for health and wellness.  

General Education

Dr. Tallio is passionate about educating others about Lifestyle Medicine with focus on a whole food, plant-based way of eating. She offers presentations, lectures, and small group sessions. She has given presentations at Bluegrass Orthopaedics, Lexington Clinic, the local library, VegFest events, and Good Foods Co-op. She has provided information and support to local cancer and recovery support groups. Dr. Tallio has been a guest on FOX 56 “Talk of the Town” discussing the concept of “Food As Medicine.”

Contact her office if you are interested in inviting her to present. She can help educate your employees, medical staff, students, or friends.